Breeding English Bulldogs naturally requires a deep understanding of their unique characteristics and needs. They can be prone to health issues such as brachycephalic syndrome, which is a breathing problem caused by their flat face.
To minimize the risk of these issues, it's essential to choose a healthy and well-tempered sire and dam. This will help ensure that your puppies are born with a strong immune system and a good temperament.
A responsible breeder will also prioritize genetic diversity in their breeding program to reduce the likelihood of inherited health problems. This means selecting breeding stock from a variety of bloodlines to create a diverse gene pool.
A well-structured breeding program can also help to identify potential health issues early on, allowing you to make informed decisions about breeding and prioritize the health and well-being of your dogs.
Olde English Bulldogge Basics
The Olde English Bulldogge is a breed that's been around for centuries, with a rich history that's worth exploring. It's a natural breed that's been developed through careful selection and breeding.
They're known for their distinctive appearance, with a sturdy build and a flat face that's often mistaken for a modern English Bulldog. However, the Olde English Bulldogge is a separate breed that's been developed to be a healthier and more athletic alternative.
In terms of size, Olde English Bulldogges typically weigh between 50-70 pounds and stand between 12-14 inches tall at the shoulder.
Natural Mating Basics
English Bulldogs have a unique physical characteristic that makes natural mating a challenge. Their short, stout stature and short, stubby legs make it difficult for a male dog to mount a female.
Heat cycles in English Bulldogs can vary in duration and length between cycles, but you can expect your female to go into heat around once every six months for roughly three weeks. The initial portion of the heat cycle is called proestrus, during which her vulva will appear swollen and she'll have bloody vaginal discharge.
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The ideal time to mate English Bulldogs is after the female finishes the proestrus portion of her cycle, which is called estrus. During this time, the female will return the attention of the stud and will often stand to be mated.
If your English Bulldog is female, she can be bred more easily by another breed besides the Bulldog, especially those with longer legs. Some examples of breeds that can mount a female English Bulldog include breeds with longer legs.
A female English Bulldog typically goes into heat for three weeks, and the average length of pregnancy is 65-67 days.
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Olde English Bulldogge Facts
The Olde English Bulldogge is a breed that's known for its muscular build, with adults weighing between 70-110 pounds and standing between 17-20 inches tall.
They have a short, easy-to-maintain coat that comes in a variety of colors including red, fawn, and brindle.
Their broad, flat heads and short, upturned muzzles give them a distinctive appearance.
Related reading: Short Bulldog Breeds
In terms of temperament, Olde English Bulldogges are generally friendly, outgoing dogs that make great family pets.
They are also highly intelligent and can be trained with consistency and positive reinforcement.
Their exercise needs are moderate, requiring daily walks and playtime but not excessive running or jumping.
Despite their sturdy build, Olde English Bulldogges can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia and respiratory problems.
Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy diet can help mitigate these risks.
Breeding Preparation
Before starting an English Bulldog breeding program, it's essential to prepare the foundation for a healthy and successful breeding process.
English Bulldogs are prone to inherited health issues, so it's crucial to breed for health rather than just physical appearance.
Health testing is a must, and we recommend testing for hip dysplasia, brachycephalic syndrome, and patellar luxation.
To ensure the health and well-being of your breeding dogs, you'll need to establish a breeding program that prioritizes genetic diversity and reduces the risk of inherited health issues.
A good breeding program starts with selecting healthy, well-socialized breeding dogs, which is why temperament testing is also essential.
English Bulldogs can be challenging to breed naturally, so it's vital to have a good understanding of their reproductive needs and limitations.
A well-planned breeding program will also require you to carefully select a suitable stud dog, taking into account factors such as temperament, conformation, and genetic diversity.
English Bulldogs typically have a short breeding season, which usually occurs between November and January, so it's essential to time your breeding carefully to maximize the chances of a successful mating.
Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet will also be crucial in maintaining the health and well-being of your breeding dogs.
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Breeding Process
Know your bulldog's reproductive cycle. Heat cycles can vary in duration and length between cycles, with a general expectation of once every six months and a season lasting roughly three weeks.
Recognize the signs of proestrus, the initial portion of the heat cycle, where the vulva appears swollen and you notice bloody vaginal discharge. This is a signal to be ready to breed in the coming weeks.
Discover more: English Bulldog in Heat
You can test for ovulation with the help of a vet, who can offer a couple of different test options. This can help identify when the female ovulates more specifically.
Mate the bulldogs after the female finishes the proestrus portion of her cycle, during the estrus phase. This is the ideal time to mate the dogs, when the female will return the attention of the stud and may stand to be mated.
If natural mating is difficult due to the bulldog's short legs and stout body, consider artificial insemination. This involves depositing semen into the bitch's vagina, past the cervix, and into the uterus by syringe.
The average length of pregnancy is 65-67 days, but can vary by as much as a week either way.
Health and Care
English Bulldog breeding naturally requires attention to the health and care of your pup. Olde English Bulldogges are a typically healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can still develop certain health issues.
Proper veterinary care is essential to prevent common ailments like allergies, dental disease, and obesity. Regular grooming sessions can also help with tick and flea-borne illnesses.
Some potential health issues to watch out for include hypothyroidism, heart disease, and obesity. These can be prevented or managed with proper care and nutrition.
Temperament & Intelligence
The Olde English Bulldogge is a breed that thrives on attention and affection. They love to play and are high-spirited, making them a joy to be around.
An overly shy Olde English Bulldogge is considered a breeding fault, likely due to poor socialization in puppyhood. This highlights the importance of proper socialization from an early age.
In terms of temperament, it's essential to consider the female's character when breeding. Evidence suggests that the mother's personality is passed onto her puppies, making a calm and friendly mother a top priority.
Here are some key characteristics to look for in a breeding female:
Ultimately, a well-socialized and calm female is more likely to produce puppies with ideal behavior patterns.
Pet Compatibility
When considering your Olde English Bulldogge's social life, it's essential to remember that they generally get along with all pets, including small ones. However, you need to be mindful of prey animals.
Occasional same-sex aggression with other dogs is a possibility, but don't worry, a little training can fix this issue.
To ensure harmony in your household, it's crucial to socialize your Olde English Bulldogge well, especially if you have multiple pets.
Owning an Olde English Bulldogge
Owning an Olde English Bulldogge requires a significant investment of time and resources.
They need regular exercise, including daily walks and playtime, to stay healthy and happy. This can be as simple as a 15-minute walk around the block or a game of fetch in the backyard.
Their short coats require minimal grooming, but they do need regular nail trimming and ear cleaning to prevent health issues.
Olde English Bulldogges can live up to 10-12 years with proper care and attention.
They are prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and allergies, which can be managed with regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet.
A healthy diet is essential for maintaining their weight and overall health, and they should be fed a high-quality dog food that meets their nutritional needs.
Their calm and gentle nature makes them a great companion for families with children, but they can be stubborn at times, so consistent training and socialization are a must.
For another approach, see: English Bulldog Diet
The Oeb Can Give Birth
Olde English Bulldogs are a special case when it comes to natural birth. They can mate and give birth naturally due to their well-proportioned bodies.
This is in contrast to modern English Bulldogs, which are known for having birthing complications.
Puppy Care After Birth
The first few days after birth are crucial for the health and well-being of your puppies and mother.
Ensure the mother performs her natural duties, such as tearing open the placental membrane and licking the puppy to stimulate its breathing.
If she neglects to do so, you'll need to intervene to save the puppy.
Tie off the umbilical cord with unwaxed dental floss, about two inches from the puppy's abdomen, and apply iodine to the cut to prevent infection.
Newborn pups rely on their mother's milk for colostrum, which contains antibodies to help prevent infections.
Keep the space warm, at 85-90°F, for the first five days to help the puppies regulate their body temperature.
Monitor the mother during nursing, as canine mastitis is a possibility in the first few weeks after whelping.
If you notice any redness, heat, or pain in the mother's breasts, consult a vet immediately.
The mother may not eat much after whelping, but once she starts eating again, provide a diet high in calcium, phosphorous, and vitamin D to prevent eclampsia.
If the mother rejects any of the puppies, hand feed them with a commercial puppy formula, following the vet's instructions for feeding amounts and times.
Here's a quick summary of the essential steps to ensure the health and well-being of your puppies and mother:
- Tie off the umbilical cord with unwaxed dental floss.
- Apply iodine to the cut to prevent infection.
- Keep the space warm for the first five days.
- Monitor the mother during nursing for signs of mastitis.
- Provide a postnatal diet to the mother.
- Hand feed any orphaned puppies.
Food & Diet
The Olde English Bulldogge's diet is a crucial aspect of their overall health and well-being. High-quality dog food rich in protein, fatty acids, and probiotics is essential for this breed.
They are very active, so high-protein, high-calorie dog food is a great choice to meet their energy requirements. Always consult your vet for specific recommendations on food for your Olde English Bulldogge, as they can provide personalized advice based on their breed.
On a similar theme: Best Food for Olde English Bulldog
Exercise
Exercise is a crucial part of an Olde English Bulldogge's daily routine. They are generally pretty active, so daily exercise is always recommended.
A long walk, run, or a simple game of fetch will do the trick. Olde English Bulldogges can adapt to any lifestyle, happily going on a run with you and just as quickly hopping up on the couch to snuggle.
Luckily, they withstand the heat and cold much better than the modern English Bulldog, so you don’t need to worry about overheating as much.
Recommended read: English Bulldog Exercise
Grooming
Grooming is an essential part of caring for your Olde English Bulldogge.
Their medium-short coats require no special care, but it’s fine to wash them once a month or whenever they get dirty with a pet-safe shampoo.
Regular ear cleanings are also a must to prevent infections and keep your dog's ears healthy.
Nail trims are another important part of grooming, and should be done regularly to prevent overgrowth.
Some Olde English Bulldogges have more wrinkles than others, and these will need weekly cleanings to keep them clean and healthy.
Related reading: Grooming an English Bulldog
Health and Conditions
Health and Conditions are a reality for all dogs, regardless of breed. Olde English Bulldogges are a generally healthy breed, but that doesn't mean they're immune to health issues.
Proper veterinary care is essential to prevent common ailments. A reputable Leavitt breeder can help ensure your Bulldogge is healthy from the start.
All dogs can develop allergies, dental disease, obesity, tick and flea-borne illnesses, and more. Regular grooming sessions can help prevent some of these issues.
Some potential health concerns for Olde English Bulldogges include hypothyroidism, heart disease, and obesity. These conditions can be managed with proper care and nutrition.
Here are some potential health issues to be aware of:
- Hypothyroidism
- Heart disease
- Obesity
Frequently Asked Questions
Can English bulldogs conceive naturally?
English Bulldogs rarely conceive naturally due to their physical build and health issues. Artificial insemination is often recommended for a successful and healthy breeding process.
Can bulldogs deliver puppies naturally?
Unfortunately, bulldogs may face challenges delivering puppies naturally due to health issues like respiratory problems and hip dysplasia
How many puppies do English bulldogs have on their first litter?
Typically, English Bulldogs have 3-4 puppies in their first litter, but many require assistance due to oversized puppies
Sources
- https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bulldog/
- https://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/olde-english-bulldogge
- https://www.wikihow.com/Breed-English-Bulldogs
- https://www.hepper.com/can-english-bulldogs-breed-naturally-vet-answer/
- https://naturaldog.com/blogs/living-with-dogs/wrinkles-never-looked-so-good-all-about-english-bulldogs
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